private The Fall of Andalasia ~Book 1~

[Sanctified Absence 126]

"This one's weak to Light, the others might be weak to Magick too!" Focusing his mind, Zaddion's spells would be given a more sinister purpose than simple stunning, though one could argue that the act of killing was simply necessary in situations such as this. This would be the first time he intentionally murdered in some time, and the lack of reluctance might've been worrying if he had the chance to think.

 

The first orb reached the creature, exploding in a fierce Light as the others. Further examination revealed that the thing was indeed being damaged, somehow. Perhaps these werewolves were somewhat filled with Dark or Shadow Magick? A question he would be glad to ponder some other time. 

 

The second wisp impacted, then the third, then the fourth. Zaddion was far too hesitant in finishing the monster off, enjoying the empowered feeling, until Helena's bolt acted as a wakeup call. Staring at the Werewolf, the Mage raised his hand one final time. "Hmph..." Reacting to his clicking fingers, the final wisps were as a volley of projectiles, each one striking at the target's general vicinity in small, concentrated flashes. 

Edited November 15, 2014 by Sanctified Absence

[Flying Ace 142]

Dresden was quick to act and tried to get the wf that's was ignoring them,s attention. Dresden drew his dagger and ignoring common sense jumped on the wolfs back and try to maintain his grip while also trying to stab it. 'Where the hell is Tulla and Lance."

[Torrent505 370]

The alpha Lycan had been reduced to quivering exposed muscle and even bone, the later particularly around the skull. All of its fangs glistening in a skeletal grin, Helena's bolt sat embedded in the things left eye and a claw with all the working ligaments in full view clasped the bolt pulling it out eye and all. It shivered for a moment as the last tendons quickly reformed before pouncing forward to give two quick bounds and tackle the light Mage. Sticky congealing blood all over its body smeared against him as it worked to reform into skin and thick hide. The ability to heal seemed to respond to the severity of the wound, though the lost eye seemed to have not yet begun regenerating at all. The werewolves could be slowed and damaged but it seemed more was needed to make that damage stay.

 

Next to Helena the silver statue continued to snarl and point like a hunting dog towards the wounded werewolf, it drooled molten silver like a dog hungry for fresh meat or a chance to kill, maybe both.

 

The Lycan with Dresden on its back howled as it was repeatedly stabbed, this one was regenerating much slower than the large white one. It stopped trying to shred Tugg's furry hide using the free hand instead to reach behind itself and pull Dresden free. It stared at him for a moment, one claw holding Tugg's beak shut the other wrapped firmly around Dresden's non-sword arm; it decided it could forget trying to push away the chimera for just a second as it lunged forward determined to take a bite out of this hapless prey's throat.

[The Elusive Cinder 1,328]

Adrass.

 

Finally, Adrass found himself almost close enough to test for himself exactly how tough these things were. If they weren't so jumpy, he might have intercepted it entirely.

 

With barely a couple of meters left, he shifted from his steady walk to a sprint as the creature bounded towards the mage again. With one motion, he flicked the runic blade into his hand - with the next, it was sent soaring through the air, spinning and whistling in an almost musical way as it sliced through the air towards the beast.

Edited November 16, 2014 by Cinder

[Shadow Dancer 111]

I dodged the crimson Werewolf denying it a easy meal. I kept my daggers in hand and let instinct and training take over. I slashed at it and quickly jumped back waiting for a chance to do decent damage to it. "Come at me pup!" I taunted hoping to keep it from trying to plan a way to quickly kill me.

[Flying Ace 142]

@@Torrent505,

Dresden was pulled violently off by his empty handed arm, and dangled in front of the creature; if it didn't kill Dresden it's breath certainly will. Dresden raised his dagger waited for a second before jabbing it in its right eye leaving the blade in; Dresden then turned his focused on his captured arm and used his magic to pry the claw off.

[RunsWithSquirlz 274]

Tugg used the weight of his body, shoving his head underneath the wolfs body and heaving it over his head. He hissed and pushed Dresden away with his flank, turning to face the werewolf again.

 

As soon as the runt poked his head over the side, Whisper blasted him with the full force of the fire.

 

Tulla almost punched Lance in his pretty face if it wasn't for the ominous sound. She paid it little mind when the sounds of the camp in distress crept through the trees.

 

"Lets go. Now." She sheathed the sword and her anger.

[Alex Kennedy 1,228]

Not knowing what else to do, Robert had begun playing the same sort of music he'd used when Crowley and his assassins attacked them- sounds of pure aggression and hatred, an attemt to drive the werewolves back, to intimidate them or at least distract them. He'd been practicing this sort of thing, and he thought there was a bit more of an edge to it this time.

[Torrent505 370]

@@Dji @@Sanctified Absence @

 

The silver magic nullifying blade lodged in the Alpha's shoulder ruining the newly formed hide. It yelped loudly, whimpering and squirming as any remaining wounds ceased healing and the flesh around the dagger instant began rotting, turning black and necrotic. The pain was so much it flailed about unable to continue its attack on the Mage. It rolled free of him, griping and pulling the dagger free. The claw holding the weapon began to smoke and turn black, the alpha caste the blade aside into the campfire. Free of the impeding silver and magic nullification the white fur finally finished restoring itself; the only injuries that lingered were the missing eye and the black wounds dealt by the silver. It's focus was on Adrass now and stalked forward rapidly closing the distance between them, this prey it felt was less threatening than the Mage but it had interfered too often and now had inflicted some true damage; for that it needed to die.

 

@@Shadow Dancer

 

The crimson Lycan was surprised when its ambush failed, this prey was more cunning than it had anticipated. The taunt also surprised it, few showed such candor in the face of it before; it decided to give the strange prey exactly what it asked for. The werewolf closed the distance and unleashed a flurry of swipes at Indicus, seeking to quickly cut him to ribbons.

 

@@RunsWithSquirlz @@Flying Ace

 

The black Lycan's first lunge was rewarded with a dagger sinking deep into its eye and the second clamped down on empty air as the morsel used water to slip from its grip. It would have pursued the man further if not for the sudden reminder from its other opponent. The beast flipped the wolf over its back and stepped between it and the man as the wolf ached from crashing hard to the ground. It prepared to charge the chimera again, this time it decided it would go to gouge the beast's eyes out and then tear off that silly metal mouth.

 

@@RunsWithSquirlz @@Dji @@Alex Kennedy @@Sanctified Absence @@Flying Ace @ @@Shadow Dancer

 

The runt literally caught fire from the face full of flame, combined with the bards screeching music it took off crying and stumbling back into the forest leaving a slowly smoldering trail behind.

 

All of the Lycans took notice to the harsh noise assaulting their sensitive ears, they fought on but seemed to slow and hesitate. Their ears turned downward trying to block out the sound.

 

The creature that seemed to take the most offense to the change of music was the mimic, it drove back inside Robert's shirt scrambling about scratching up his chest with tiny nails and finally its little maw clamped firmly down on one of his nipples.

 

***************

 

Lance nodded, "Go Ruff, get back to them quickly. Whatever is going on can't be good. I can make sure this thing does not follow!" He seemed to be fencing with the open air. But a little girls voice whispered in Tulla's ear, "Run, run as fast as you can; you can't escape, this is my playland."

[Shadow Dancer 111]

I dodged most of the swipes and so far the leather armor took the others but was damaged some more. I knew that it would shread my armor if I was not careful. I myself now attacked, before it could turn to face me once more I lashed out with my daggers and prepared to jump away from another attack.

[Torrent505 370]

@@Shadow Dancer

 

The prey was faster than the crimson Werewolf had expected, it was just full of surprises. Still Indicus' attacks were shrugged off as if they were nothing, the wolf's swipe in response was too slow as well, the prey jumped out of the way. Then again perhaps it was this blasted music slowing down its strikes and making it nervous. The crimson lycan changed its strategy, now working its assault to drive the first prey back toward the music making one; once it got close enough it would change focus and silence the dreadful sound.

[Sanctified Absence 126]

Zaddion clutched his chest and recovered from his winded state just in time to see the silver dagger cast into the flames. Perhaps the rumours of silver having unpredictable properties was true, perhaps he judged the legends of the common folk far too harshly to see the wisdom in them, or perhaps it was simply the Magickal Nullification. It would be so easy to just reach out, grab the knife and finish this beast off now that it was going for Adrass, but he didn't have time to put out the flames.

 

There was only one way he was getting it out fast enough, it was now or never the time to solidify the Shadow he was capable of summoning. Reaching out his arm across the floor, the Mage attempted all of his Magickal and mental prowess in a manner that he'd never really been able to grasp before. The Shadow would have to be concentrated, terrifyingly so to have any sort of physical effect on an object, especially one with Anti-Magick warding.

 

Fortunately for him the Mark was literally flowing with stored Shadow Magick, the downside being such a release of energy caused it to vibrate in a horrifically agonizing manner. Gritting his teeth and tensing his now blood-soaked fingers, a whip-like tendril of black mist emerged from the Mark, every second its consistency growing darker and darker until it resembled a shifting, black solid. 

 

The Shadow obeyed his every whim, and once it was thick enough it darted towards the dagger, fading into the air upon contact with the runed silver. Zaddion wasn't about to let this stop him though. Forcing more Shadow into the construct, the Mage intentionally kept himself in a cycle of Magick-draining concentration in a desperate attempt to successfully hold his target as his gaze shifted towards the largest Lycan.

Edited November 17, 2014 by Sanctified Absence

[Shadow Dancer 111]

The Werewolf was slowly pushing me back, I just made sure that I hit it in the same areas when I could. I began to notice the music in the air and that was were it was pushing me towards and the music was from the bard was and what was slowing my opponent down

 

I muttered a curse for not realizing it sooner. I had to find a way to push the bastard back and before the Werewolf could stop the music and take my slight advantage away. I thought about my magic but remembered that we both were in our element and it was a magical creature, so that could be counter productive. Even if I used other magic types it would only tire me out a lot faster then even using my shadow magic.

[The Elusive Cinder 1,328]

Adrass.

 

Flexing his fingers, Adrass snatched at one of the vials on his belt - Alchemists fire. He held it in his left palm as his right darted to his back.

 

Finally, he had the creatures attention. Adrass stared down the beast, reaching behind him as it approached and clasping the unfamiliar handle of the fine blade that hung at his back. It was larger, bulkier than his own weapon - his previous weapon - but aside from being a truly two-handed weapon and less easy to balance in only one, he found that it was surprisingly easy to wield.

 

The grip was cool - almost unnervingly so after the warmth of the heartwood grip of his last weapon - and comfortable... perfectly sized and shaped. Yes, he could grow accustomed to this.

 

With one motion, he lashed out with the arm holding the glass vial. Knowing that the creature wouldn't simply stay still and take the hits forever - it would start trying to evade them eventually - He hurled it downwards towards it's feet rather than at the beast itself. Bringing the now free hand up to the blades handle as he angled it forwards, center of gravity low as he braced for an impact.

 

-----

 

Adrass Stance

 

 

Edited November 17, 2014 by Cinder

[Torrent505 370]

@@Sanctified Absence @

 

The alpha lycan howled as the cursed fire spread across the earth at its feet and some drops of the alchemist fire ignited its legs as well. Silver, wolvesbane, fire, light, these were the most brutal weapons against the lycan's wolf form and this alpha knew them well; silver and wolvesbane capable of killing even the strongest and oldest lycans; while fire took to them easier than most creatures and was a constant effort to heal; light burned deeper than any blade, seeking to drive them back to human form. It could not let more fire spread to it, it had to charge forward out of the flaming circle from the shattered vial; unfortunately this panic drove it straight into impaling itself on Adrass's blade.

 

Normally this would not be a problem as wounds from ordinary weapons were little more than an inconvenience, but instead the alpha found another bane to add to its list, holy or blessed weapons. The white werewolf howled bloody spittle into Adrass' face as the weapon did damage not great enough to kill outright but of excruciating and draining pain. It's claws reflexively grasping the sword sticking through its chest and trying to push it back out.

 

Zaddion's shadow magic could never directly grasp the nullifying dagger but each attempt forced more and more soot and ash over the weapon until it was covered in a thick black layer which the shadow found easy to grip in its own darkness. It was now firmly if only briefly under Zaddion's control, to much motion would shift away the soot and ruin the grip instantly he only had a moment and single action.

 

@@Alex Kennedy @@Shadow Dancer

 

The crimson werewolf had gotten close enough to assault the musical human, the prey it had currently been against seemed to finally realize what it was intending to do and was shifting to try and drive it back. Now was the moment to strike, it abandoned Indicus turning it's back on him completely as it bounded aside and lunged seeking to sink it's teeth into Robert.

[Shadow Dancer 111]

When the beast lunged at the bard I took a gamble, I would have to time it just right if it were to work, I would have to make a wall of shadow magic, too soon and it could react too late and the bard was dead.

 

I concentrated my magic doing something I had only done a year ago on a smaller scale, I formed a chain mail like web of shadow in between the two and hoped I was able to hold it for the seconds requiered and that it would not shatter and backlash on to me ultamantly leaving both of us open.

Edited November 17, 2014 by Shadow Dancer

[Sekel 692]

When Helena sww the wolf lunge for Robert, she tried to act fast but found Indicus acting faster. Thinking Robert was in good hands, she eyed her target and took one of the bolts out of her quiver. Sad it wasn't silver-tipped, she tilted her head down at her wolf statue. Seeing it was drooling silver, Helena wondered if she could dip the tip of her bolt in it. She crouched and dipped the bolt in, making sure there was a thin coating of silver drool on it. Satisfied there was, she moved herself into position and notched it on to the crossbow and aimed it at the alpha wolf. She fired it and hoped it landed in the other eye.

Edited November 17, 2014 by Dji

[Torrent505 370]

@@Dji @@Alex Kennedy @@Sanctified Absence @ @@Shadow Dancer

 

The lycan's wolf forms were creatures of shadow and darkness, the crimson werewolf's claws tore through the Indicus's shadow links as if they were tissue paper. But it did give Robert a critical moment as the beast hesitated and repositioned before resuming it's lunge.

 

Helena's shot was true the bolt sunk deep into the alpha's eye, the white lycan went slack collapsing the rest of the way against Adrass and slipping all the way down his sword. It howled in rage as it collapsed and when it fell against him snapped it's jaws closed in its death throes, the maw closed on Adrass's collarbone, teeth sinking deep and holding as it died.

[Shadow Dancer 111]

I had a feeling that would happen but it did what I intended. I looked for anything to help me kill the wolf when I noticed Helena's wolf statue was at her feet drooling what looked like moltin silver, with that in mind I used the shadows to hide as I ran to the statue hoping that I could coat my daggers with the silver. While hoping that the bard could survive a tad longer without me.

[Flying Ace 142]

@@Alex Kennedy, 

Dresden looked over in time to see a Lycan charge at Robert and Indicus vanishing; he didn't exactly know what Indicus was doing but he hoped it was good. "Robert!" Dresden ran towards the two and stood along side Robert. "It looks like you could use a hand."

[Alex Kennedy 1,228]

@@Flying Ace,@@Torrent505, @@Shadow Dancer, @@Dji,

 

Whether or not Robert was truly aware of any of this was hard to tell. He didn't move, didn't look up, didn't say anything or even change his expression at all, but simply continued to play. Louder. Louder. More aggression, more power. The song was all that he had to offer, to bolster his allies and weaken their foes. Perhaps it wasn't much, but it was the best he could do. To truly master the art of the bard is to pour one's entire soul and being into their music, and that was exactly what he would do. 

[The Elusive Cinder 1,328]

Adrass.

 

"Bastard!" Grunted the hunter as the teeth sunk deep into his collar - mercifully missing his windpipe but tearing are flesh and muscle. He was sure something made a sickening 'crunch' as well, but focusing on details like that was difficult with a hulking alpha werewolf latched onto ones torso.

 

He threw himself to the left, placing a foot firmly against the beasts stomach and pushing it away - wrenching his sword back from its chest as he did. His right arm wasn't responding to his actions correctly, but he could deal with that later. Swinging the blade onto his back with some difficulty, he jammed a hand into the pocket of his coat and grabbed for another vial. Holding it in his palm, he also grabbed the handle of the unused revolver with the same hand.

 

The pain had been dull until now, but was growing quickly to an agonising sting. He tried to focus him mind and deny it, but something was wrong - his faith was shaken. Without the fury and the zeal, he was just another guy with a gun.

 

The vial was one of the silvery coloured ones - there wasn't time to fumble around finding something more appropriate: he would just have to hope that the colour meant something useful. With a grunt, he tossed it underarm into the air above the battle, before reaffirming his grip on the gun, taking aim and shooting at the bottle as it reached its ascent - still in the air for a fraction of a moment before it began its descent.

 

Bullets didn't seem to hurt the things, and he couldn't use his sword with a wounded arm. He had no idea what this stuff was - it was as good a plan as any.

[Sanctified Absence 126]

Cursing his slow reactions, the Mage subconsciously blamed his frail, Human body, even with the Mark it just wasn't suitable for channelling. Still, it seemed as though the larger Lycan had fallen to a combined effort from Helena and the Hunter, so his reactions had not cost any lives... Yet.

 

There was still the matter of the crimson one attacking the bard, and he wasn't about to let the remainder of his Magick go to waste. Stumbling to a standing position as fast as he could without failing, the Mage dashed towards the creature, the Shadow coilding perfectly as not to disturb the dagger until his command.

 

At a gesture, the Shadow whipped its captive into the air, removing all the soot but giving it enough force to remove it from the fire's grasp. His wounded arms would surely make this manoeuvre more difficult, but right now there just wasn't another way to approach these things without falling to their superior speed.

 

Throwing the remaining tendril of Magick around the Lycan, the Mage took some level of care to keep it away from the Lycan's immediate reach, they might be able to slice through Shadow like paper, but that doesn't mean their very should destroy the construct.

 

With the Magick firmly 'attached' to the Mark across his skin, Zaddion utilized the thread as something similar in function to a grappling hook, using it to boost his speed well beyond what he could've simply done by running. Barely catching the dagger mid-flight on his way there, the Mage attempted to trust his current weapon into the creature's back. Hopefully in that weakened state his Shadow would be enough to restrain it until it died... But he didn't count on that. 

[Torrent505 370]

@@RunsWithSquirlz @@Dji @@Alex Kennedy @@Sanctified Absence @@Flying Ace @ @@Shadow Dancer

 

Robert's increase in volume and vigor to his song did not drive the crimson lycan back, however the beast did reflexively grit it's teeth so that at the moment it collided with him the blow was more of a headbutt and not a devastating bite. A gunshot rang out something shattered over their heads as they began to tumble over the wolf going to fall upon the bard. However something wrapped around the werewolf's neck restraining it and preventing a follow up snap at Robert.

 

Adrass's potion rained down on the Lycan, Robert, and Dresden, some even splattered on the front of Zaddion, but the majority fell on the crimson beast's back. Wherever the droplets landed they spread in a thick shiny but flexible metal coating. The werewolf's back was left with a few open spots of crimson fur, while the humans were left with large polka doted splotches of metal sheens. Mere fractions of a second later Zaddion closed the distance seeking to jam the dagger into the creatures back, but instead of the soft sound of blade sinking into flesh there was a clang of metal against metal as the dagger met one of the freshly coated patches. The werewolf didn't even seem to notice the strike as it focused on freeing itself from the shadow bindings.

 

The alpha wolf next to Adrass slowly began to morph from the beastly wolf form into a very ancient very dead pale white old man.

Edited November 17, 2014 by Torrent505

[Shadow Dancer 111]

I saw the now silver coated Werewolf and looked for a patch of open flesh, once I found one I ran to the beast before it could free itself and jabbed into the beast the opening not allowing a twitch or I would miss, and hit the coating on it or its bindings instead of normal flesh. I noted the gamble and really hated how much I was depending on luck.